ABSTRACT
Background: Prostate diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, are common in aging men. Recent interest has focused on dietary antioxidants for prostate health. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice is rich in polyphenols with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Research suggests its potential in modulating prostate function, including reducing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, and improving urinary symptoms.
Objective: To review current evidence from clinical and experimental studies on the effects of pomegranate juice on prostate function, including BPH and prostate cancer.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies from 2011 to 2025 examining the impact of pomegranate juice on prostate health.
Conclusion: Pomegranate juice shows promising benefits in prostate cancer management and symptom relief in BPH due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, larger and long-term clinical trials are necessary to establish its therapeutic role.
Keywords: Pomegranate, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, PSA, Prostate Cancer, Antioxidants.
1. Introduction
Prostate-related disorders, particularly prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), represent a major health issue among elderly men. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in their pathogenesis. As such, natural agents with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, like pomegranate juice, are being investigated as complementary interventions (1,2). Pomegranate contains ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which have demonstrated anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo (3).
2. Pomegranate Juice Composition
Pomegranate juice is rich in: These compounds neutralize free radicals and modulate key pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK), influencing prostate cellular behavior (4).
Punicalagins – powerful antioxidants
Ellagic acid – anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing
Anthocyanins – anti-inflammatory pigments
3. Effects on Prostate Cancer:
3.1 In Vitro and Animal Studies:
Studies show that pomegranate extract inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145) and induces apoptosis via caspase activation (5). In mouse models, pomegranate delays tumor growth and reduces angiogenesis (6).
3.2 Clinical Trials:
In a Phase II clinical trial, Pantuck et al. found that 8 oz daily pomegranate juice intake significantly prolonged PSA doubling time in men with prostate cancer (7). A 2021 systematic review confirmed reductions in PSA progression and oxidative markers in patients consuming pomegranate products (8).
4. Effects on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
While less studied than prostate cancer, BPH pathogenesis also involves oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Pomegranate’s antioxidant capacity may help reduce prostate volume and LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) (9). In an RCT by Azadi et al., men with BPH who consumed pomegranate juice daily for 8 weeks reported significant reductions in IPSS scores (10).
5. Mechanisms of Action: These mechanisms collectively contribute to prostate protection and symptom improvement (11).
Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2
Antioxidant: Scavenges ROS and inhibits lipid peroxidation
Anti-proliferative: Blocks androgen receptor activity and cell cycle progression
Pro-apoptotic: Enhances mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis
6. Dosage:
Pomegranate juice is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are rare and may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. However, due to its CYP450 inhibition potential, it may interact with medications like statins and warfarin (12). Recommended dosage from most clinical trials: 8 oz (240 ml) of 100% pomegranate juice daily.
7. Limitations and Future Research:
Variability in juice composition and polyphenol content
Small sample sizes in current clinical trials
Need for standardized pomegranate preparations and long-term data
Future studies should focus on:
Larger RCTs in diverse populations
Long-term prostate cancer progression and BPH symptom monitoring
Biomarker and molecular pathway validation
8. Conclusion:
Pomegranate juice, due to its potent polyphenolic content, demonstrates promising benefits in prostate health, particularly in slowing prostate cancer progression and alleviating BPH symptoms. It is a safe, non-invasive dietary intervention that may be considered as part of integrative prostate care. However, more robust evidence is needed for clinical endorsement.
Conflict of interest – None.
Sources of funding – None.
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